Proverbs 22:3 kjv

A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.

Proverbs 22:3 nkjv

A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself, But the simple pass on and are punished.

Proverbs 22:3 niv

The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.

Proverbs 22:3 esv

The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.

Proverbs 22:3 nlt

A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions.
The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.

Proverbs 22 verses

Proverbs 22 3 Meaning

Proverbs 22:3 declares that a discerning person foresees peril and takes precautions to avoid it, whereas the unthinking or naive continue onward without heeding danger and subsequently face negative consequences. It emphasizes the importance of foresight, wisdom, and proactivity in navigating life's challenges to avert harm and hardship.

Proverbs 22 3 Context

Proverbs 22:3 is part of a larger section within the Book of Proverbs, specifically 22:1–24:34, often referred to as "Sayings of the Wise." This section, distinct from the initial collection (Prov 1-9) and the "proverbs of Solomon" (Prov 10-22:16), draws parallels with ancient Egyptian wisdom literature, particularly the Instruction of Amenemope, though the biblical text remains firmly rooted in Yahwistic theology. The historical context reflects a society that valued practical wisdom, moral instruction, and community well-being. The verse functions as a standalone piece of practical advice, illustrating a fundamental contrast between two character types – the prudent and the simple – and their differing outcomes. It emphasizes an everyday reality observed in life: foresight and responsiveness lead to safety, while obliviousness leads to hardship. The underlying theological principle is that God’s established order blesses those who live wisely and brings consequences upon the foolish.

Proverbs 22 3 Word analysis

• A prudent man ('arum, אָרוּם): The Hebrew word arum denotes someone who is discerning, clever, shrewd, or insightful. While sometimes translated as "crafty" (Gen 3:1), here it refers to a positive form of astuteness – someone who applies practical wisdom to navigate life effectively. This individual doesn't just see but understands the implications. They have good judgment rooted in godly fear (Prov 1:7).

• perceives evil (ra'ah ra'ah, רָאָה רָעָה): Ra'ah means "to see" or "perceive." The doubling implies a thorough, intentional viewing – not just seeing superficially but understanding the dangerous implications or consequences of a situation or action. "Evil" (ra'ah) here can refer to trouble, calamity, harm, or danger, encompassing various forms of adversity or destructive forces.

• and hides himself (w'nistâr, וַיִּסָּתֵר): This refers to taking shelter, seeking refuge, or removing oneself from the path of the perceived danger. It's a proactive, deliberate act of self-preservation, stemming from discernment. It implies taking necessary steps to avoid harm, which could range from literal hiding to avoiding specific circumstances, people, or sinful paths.

• but the simple (pethî, פֶתִי): The Hebrew pethi describes someone who is naive, gullible, inexperienced, or open-minded to a fault. They lack discretion and critical thinking. Unlike the prudent, they don't look deeply enough to discern underlying dangers, making them vulnerable and easily led astray or injured.

• pass on ('avaru, עָבָרוּ): This implies they proceed heedlessly, without altering their course. They continue forward, oblivious or indifferent to the warnings or signs of trouble. It speaks to a lack of self-correction or responsiveness.

• and suffer the penalty (w'ne'nashu, וְנֶעֱנָשׁוּ): The verb anash means "to be punished" or "to incur a penalty/suffer harm." This is the consequence of their lack of discernment and inaction. They pay a price for their foolishness, whether it be material loss, physical injury, relational damage, or spiritual distress.

• "A prudent man perceives evil, and hides himself": This phrase highlights proactive wisdom. It's about exercising foresight, understanding potential threats (not necessarily just moral evil, but also dangers, calamities, and harmful outcomes), and then taking preventative measures or seeking a safe course. This wisdom is an active process of observation, analysis, and responsive action.

• "but the simple pass on, and suffer the penalty": This contrasts directly with the prudent. The "simple" person lacks foresight or dismisses warning signs. Their "passing on" signifies continuance in a path leading to harm, often due to their gullibility, inexperience, or refusal to think deeply. The "penalty" (or suffering of consequences) is the natural outcome of such undiscerning behavior, demonstrating that actions (or inactions) have unavoidable repercussions in God's ordered world.

Proverbs 22 3 Bonus section

The "evil" (ra'ah) that the prudent person perceives is multi-faceted. It encompasses not only moral wrongdoing but also dangers like natural disasters, financial ruin, social upheaval, spiritual attack, and the consequences of unwise decisions. The act of "hiding oneself" (sathar) does not necessarily imply cowardice, but rather strategic retreat or finding refuge. In a biblical context, the ultimate hiding place is often God Himself (Ps 91; Ps 32:7), though it also includes wise practical steps. The "simple" (pethi) are not necessarily unintelligent, but they lack moral understanding and often an unwillingness to learn, which leads them into preventable difficulties. The repetition of this proverb (Proverbs 27:12 is nearly identical) highlights its profound importance and emphasizes a foundational truth in the wisdom tradition.

Proverbs 22 3 Commentary

Proverbs 22:3 presents a core principle of practical wisdom: discernment and caution lead to safety, while naiveté and heedlessness lead to suffering. The prudent person is not merely reactive but possess an anticipatory vision; they "see" trouble coming because they understand the nature of cause and effect, recognizing signs that others ignore. This spiritual and practical vision allows them to take necessary evasive action, whether it means avoiding sinful company, refraining from risky financial decisions, or seeking God's refuge. The "simple," however, are defined by their lack of this discerning foresight. They rush into situations, remain oblivious to warnings, or underestimate risks, leading them inevitably to encounter the negative consequences of their folly. The verse underscores that our choices have predictable outcomes and that a key aspect of living wisely is recognizing potential pitfalls and actively safeguarding oneself. It applies not only to physical dangers but also to moral, spiritual, and relational perils.

For practical usage, this verse calls believers to:

• Cultivate discernment through studying God's Word and prayer.
• Heed warnings from Scripture, wise counsel, and personal experience.
• Be proactive in avoiding known sources of temptation or danger.
• Not be complacent or overly confident in the face of risks.
• Recognize that refusing to think critically about choices leads to harm.